Day 124 - May 4th

We got up early this morning for a walk which included a visit to Hitch Wood to see the bluebells.

We parked at nearby Preston and set off across the fields on a ramble round the area.

While the views weren't quite as breath-taking as the Peak District scenery we enjoyed last week, they were still absolutely stunning in their own right.

We quickly found ourselves on the road close to The Rusty Gun pub, but our walk soon took us down another path and back into the fields.

Just a little further along our path, we arrived at Minsden Chapel. I wrote about this fascinating place when we visited last April. It's remarkable to think that the last known service held there was a wedding back in July 1738, an event marked by a piece of masonry falling onto the curate's book! Today, the chapel's ruins are a scheduled monument and a Grade II listed building.

Our next stop was Hill End Chalk Pit, a small, abandoned chalk quarry that's now designated as a Local Wildlife Site. It's also a significant regional geological site, known for the numerous fossils that have been found there.

Back along the footpath we soon reached Hitch Wood. While the bluebells were past their peak, they still looked good.

I loved this bug house which we spotted.

The bark on this tree was unusual.

After a wander around the woods we then headed back to the car .

The Wellhouse and Wellhead Gear at Preston.

Day 123 - May 3rd

Whilst out and about today we passed the post box which I photographed the Easter Topper on last week. The topper has now been replaced by another topper in readiness for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day next week.

Day 122 - May 2nd

Last weekend's trip to Buxton included a visit to the Buxton Pudding Emporium. We couldn't resist bringing home one of their puddings, which sounds so yummy. A sweet butter pastry base,  a layer of their homemade raspberry jam, and a buttery, crumbly crisp topping. We're really looking forward to finally tasting it this weekend!

Day 121 - May 1st

This plant is growing in my Mum & Dad's garden and we didn't know what it was. A quick google suggests it is 'Three Cornered Garlic'.

Day 120 - April 30th

April embroidery journal is complete.

Day 119 - April 29th

The flowers on the Bridal Bush (Spirea) in our back garden are so pretty.

Day 118 - April 28th

Just Tux.

Day 117 - April 27th

Another early start today, as we were heading to the very popular Dovedale National Nature Reserve. We parked in the National Trust car park at Dovedale and followed the trail to the pretty little village of Milldale.

Arriving early allowed us to cross the stepping stones quickly, without any queues or having to navigate past people coming the other way.

It was so pretty walking alongside the River Dove with so much to see.

The majority of todays walk was relatively flat, with the exception of a central section that involved a steep climb up a set of steps followed by a steep descent.

Ilam Rock

The Dove Holes (Caves)

Part of the walk reminded me of our holidays in Wales, when round the corned came a flock of sheep.

Reaching Milldale we were able to enjoy an ice cream sat beside the river.

After finishing our ice creams, we walked back along the river to Dovedale.

Can you spot the mans head in this rock?

White Throated Dipper